Wa Mozart

WA Mozart - 5 Variations in G major, K501

These videos, based on content from the Piano Teachers’ Course UK, provide a demonstration of the “do’s and don’ts” of duet playing. Using Mozart’s Five Variations K501 as a practical example, the videos illustrate the various challenges that arise, including pedalling, page turning and getting in each other’s way in... Read >>

WA Mozart - Sonata in G, K283 (1st mvt)

The opening movement of Mozart’s lyrical and playful Sonata in G has long been a favourite of both students and professional pianists. Its relatively modest technical demands make it attractive to amateur pianists, yet its musical subtlety requires careful listening and focused practice. This From the Ground Up edition offers... Read >>

WA Mozart - Allegro (3rd mvt from Sonata in E-flat, K. 282)

ABRSM Grade 6 – A2

Composed when Mozart was just 19, this challenging and brilliant sonata form movement requires precision and clarity in touch, and imagination in characterising the different themes. We find just two dynamic markings (p and f), leaving room for the player to add more shadings in between. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022, Grade 6 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link). The syllabus upon... Read >>

WA Mozart - Minuet in C, K. 6

ABRSM Grade 1 – A2

Written when Mozart was just 7 years old, this elegant Minuet in C calls for careful articulation in the two-note drop-roll slurs in both hands, and the ability to shape a melodic line sensitively and gracefully. A model of symmetry, this binary form dance is built up of 4 four-bar phrases. Contrasting piano and forte dynamics help clarify the structure. ... Read >>

WA Mozart - Minuet in D major, K. 355

Mozart’s Minuet in D, K. 355 features chromaticism that is surprising even to our ears (imagine what it must have sounded like to the listener of the day!). The piece is conceived as an ensemble piece for string trio, and we need to have this sound in our ear as we play. This video demonstrates how to practise double notes for security and control of voicing. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet... Read >>

WA Mozart - Allegretto (from The London Sketchbook, K. 15hh)

Mozart was 8 years old on a trip to London when he wrote this charming little Allegretto in F major in minuet-style, with a trio section in the minor. The video demonstrates how to use quarantine practice for difficult spots, and how to apply bar-by-bar chaining for secure learning. Various possibilities for phrasing and expression are explored, with some alternative fingering suggestions. Walk-through (excerpt) Performance (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here... Read >>

Mozart - Theme, Var. 1 and Var. 5 (from 12 Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, maman", K. 265)

ABRSM Grade 5 – A10

The French melody Mozart used for his 1785 set of twelve variations, Ah, vous dirai-je, maman first appeared in 1761, and has been used for many children's songs since. The innocent theme presented in the right hand can be coloured by some imaginative articulation in the left hand, with the possibility of some overholding (finger pedalling) in spots to create a harmonic carpet. The semiquaver patterns in the first variation require not only careful control but also contouring and phrase shaping. The fifth variation is all about dialogue between the hands, the one interrupting the other in playful fashion. The... Read >>

Mozart - Allegro (1st movt from Sonata in F, K. 332)

ABRSM Grade 8 – A2

The first movement from Mozart’s Sonata in F, K. 332 is bursting with different ideas, contrasted so dynamically you would think you were at the circus! From innocent, graceful minuets to the drama of the hire-wire act (with its gravity-defying hemiolas) we aim to characterise each scene of the opera as vividly and as colourfully as possible. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for digital download individually from the ABRSM shop here or in print... Read >>

Mozart - Fantasia in D Minor (KV397)

Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to view open domain editions for this work. ... Read >>